Understanding The Termination Of Parental Rights In Texas
Ending a parent’s rights is an extremely serious matter, whether your rights are in jeopardy or you are seeking to terminate your co-parent’s rights. The Shapiro Law Firm lawyers in Plano, Texas, understand and offer experienced guidance.
Our attorneys have a reputation for providing premium legal representation when dealing with parental rights and custody issues. Through advocacy, personal attention and 30-plus years of experience, we can help protect your and your child’s interests.
What Is The Termination Of Parental Rights?
It is a legal procedure that permanently ends the parent-child relationship. It can happen voluntarily, through an affidavit of relinquishment or involuntarily through a court order. Once terminated, the parent loses all rights and responsibilities, including child custody and visitation rights.
Grounds For Termination In Texas
There are several reasons a court may decide to terminate a parent’s rights involuntarily, including:
- Abandonment: The parent has voluntarily left the child without providing adequate support and has not returned for a specified period.
- Neglect or abuse: The parent has knowingly placed the child in conditions that endanger their physical or emotional well-being.
- Failure to support: The parent has not provided financial support for the child in accordance with their ability.
- Felony conviction: The parent has been convicted of a felony and is found to be unfit to parent.
Parents who engage in any conduct that endangers their child’s well-being could face the risk of losing their parental rights.
Impact On Child Custody
Terminating either parent’s rights will impact existing child custody arrangements. Once parental rights are terminated, that parent no longer has any legal rights to the child. For the other parent, it means they are solely responsible for the care and upbringing of their child.
Texas courts always consider the best interests of the child when making custody and termination of parental rights decisions.
Call For Experienced Representation
In matters involving parental rights, aggressive yet compassionate legal support can make a difference. Call our Plano office at 972-423-0033 or use our contact form to reach an experienced custody and parental rights attorney.